How to remove gum from carpet, rugs, upholstery and hair

We get lots of calls from clients wondering how they can remove gum from carpet, rugs and upholstery. They are surprised to find out that they can do it themselves in just a couple of minutes.

Here is a list of items that you’ll need to have before you start:

Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol)

A butter knife

or a “Gum Getter” Tool – available at any carpet cleaning supply distributor

So this is what you do: Simply soak the piece of gum with isopropyl alcohol and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. The piece of gum will soften up during that time. After about 5 minutes you can use your fingers or a towel to try to pull out the gum. If the gum is squashed into the carpet or fabric, then simply take your butter knife or ‘gum getter’ tool and gently scrape the gum off the carpet. Be sure to be gentle. We don’t want to cause any damage to the carpet fibers.

If the gum feels stiff, put more alcohol on it and give it some more time. Poke the gum a little from the top (but don’t push it in further). This helps soften it quicker.

Once it is soft enough, you can slide the butter knife under the gum and lift it out. Gently scrape any remaining pieces or residue until it is all gone. Be sure to blot up any remaining alcohol so it dries quicker.